self-governance

noun

self-gov·​er·​nance ˌself-ˈgə-vər-nən(t)s 

: self-government sense 2

Synonyms

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• independence
• freedom

Examples of self-governance in a Sentence

despite pessimistic predictions, self-governance has worked out well for the former colony

Recent Examples on the Web

Since first taking office in 1991, the veteran Democrat has introduced or supported every major push for D.C. statehood and expanded self-governance, arguing that the city's more than 700,000 residents deserve the same rights as other Americans. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

Douglas County is trying to do something no other Colorado county has done in nearly 50 years — adopt home-rule authority that would give the conservative bastion south of Denver more autonomy and powers of self-governance. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 8 June 2025

Governments should also concern themselves with encouraging the economic arrangements that best enable democratic self-governance and serve to buttress civic life. —Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

The schools were seeking to defend free speech, promote university self-governance and join together against political intervention. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-governance

• governance